Burnaby’s Kimberly Newell gave Canada something to cheer about in the new year, backstopping the under-18 women’s national hockey team to a world title in January.
Newell, a freshman goalie at Princeton University, was named Canada’s player of the game, stopping 39 of 40 shots, including 20 in the opening period, to pace Canada to a 2-1 overtime victory over the United States at the 2013 International Ice Hockey Federation world championships in Heinola, Finland.
The win gave Canada its third u-18 women’s title and second in a row, tying it with the United States for most wins since the competition began in 2008. Canada also claimed a world title in 2010.
Newell was named the goalie for the all-world tournament team by the media. She also led all goalkeepers with a 96.00 save percentage, while allowing just three goals, including two on power plays, in three starts for the Canadians.
Newell made 72 saves and gave up just one regular-strength goal in the competition, while posting her first international shutout in a 4-0 victory over Finland in a preliminary pool matchup on Dec. 30.
In the final, a huge first-period stand by Newell gave Canada the opportunity it needed to find its skates after a slow start.
Outshot 20-1 in the opening period, Newell allowed the only goal by the U.S., but made what sportcasters described as a “fantastic paddle save” to deny the Americans a second counter on what appeared to be a sure goal midway through the period.
“It’s all about preparation,” said the 17-year-old Newell.
“I felt like I really prepared well for this game and despite the number of shots, we were able to push back and get stronger later in the game.”
